Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1887-09-01
THE MAINE BANK ROBBERY.
Opinion of the Bank Examiner in Re.
gard to the Mater.

gard to the Matter.
FARMINGToN, Me-, Aug. 31.-Hon. F. E.
Richards, State bank examiner, was seen to-
night in rsgard to the embezzlement from
the Saco and Biddeford Savings institution
reported to-day. He said the first he knew
of the matter was what he read in the paper,
having had as yet no direct advices from the
officers of the bank. If the statement given
in the papers of the amount saolen from the
safe is correct, the bank will still be able to
pay all its depositsrs and creditors and then
have surplus of 100000. The published
statement regarding the banks surplus, the
examiner says, is incorrect. The correct fig
ures are $5e3, sol, as given after his last ex-
animation of the bank March 10th last.
Speaking of Treasurer Kelley's manner of
keeping the books and accounts, the examin-
er said he had always found them models OF
neatness and accuracy. He said further that
he had never had any reason to sup
pose that the clerk had been taught
the combination of the safe When he went
to the bank he gave notice previously of his
coming this being his invariable custom,
and Treasurer Kelly was not about the prem
ises, the clerk McNeely being in sole charge
On Mr.. Richards making known his business
McNeely offered to go out and find the treas
urer, remarking that otherwise he (Riehards)
would have to wait until Mr.. Kelly's return
in order to obtain access to the bonds and
securities, which were locked in the safe.
On Kelly's return the examiner took the
bonds from the safe and counted them care
fully and they were found to conform in
every detail to the books of the bank. Ex-
aminer Richards said, as at present inform
ed, the only criticism that could be made of
the conduct of the officers of the bank is in
their allowing boy who had been in the
employ of the bank in a subordinate position
for only one year to have knoWledge OF
SAco, Me-, Aug. 31.-Some of the friends
of Frank @. McNeely, the absconding clerk
of the Saco Savings bank, think he is de-
ranged. They say he has been acting very
queerly and has complained of head troubles.
Treasurer Kelley believes the robbery was
premeditated; When Kelley left the bank
in charge of the clerk the inner vault where
the cash and securities were kept was
locked. No one but the treasurer and presl-
dent was supposed to know how to open the
safe But McNeely must have studied the
combination when the vault was open and
found it an easy task to carry
out his plans. He has been
since he worked in the bank.
He wore fine clothes, often hired teams and
always had plenty of spending money. Some
bills he has left together with sundry sums
borrowed. A few days ago when talking
with friend about his future plans he said
he expected to be thousands of miles away
from here in September. His mother is
Frustrated by the shock. His brothe Harry,
who holds responsible position in the
American Express Office, has gone to Mont
real in search of the absconder. McNeely
was very proud and it is believed will never
TT L. oJ,,1-, -vvI,a !,
left Bank Examiner Richards will begin
work on the books tomorrow.